Someone I care about has cancer. What do I do?

Cancer does not just affect the people who have it. It will affect those around them, too.

It is natural to feel worried or scared if someone you care about has cancer. You may feel overwhelmed by the situation and wonder how to even start making sense of it. You may also be unsure about what you can do to help.

There is lots of practical advice and support for you if someone you care about has cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support provides information for those supporting someone with cancer. It includes how to help your loved one, as well as practical advice on helping you to cope with your own feelings.
Cancer Research UK has information on ways you can help a loved one who has had a cancer diagnosis.
How do you cope when your loved one has cancer? Chris and Sam open up about their feelings and experiences in this film from Marie Curie.
Young people may need special help when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness. Hope Support Services can provide it for those aged from five to 25. It offers a safe, monitored Facebook group and a secure online one-to-one support sessions with qualified and experienced professionals.
What if you’re the partner of a young adult with cancer? Shine Cancer Care’s Plus Ones Circles is an online programme that allows you to join a small group who meet up once a week to discuss a different topic. There is plenty of time to get to know other group members and share experiences.
How should you communicate with someone with cancer? It can be tricky. In these videos, Cancer Research UK has some top tips from patients on how to talk to them and how to listen.
What if your loved one has a palliative prognosis? Marie Cure has information on what to expect and how to look after their needs, as well as your own.

A family carer is anybody, of any age, who looks after someone with a long term illness, mental health difficulty or disability who could not cope day to day without this help.

More information about support for carers – Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Family Carers.